Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine's leaders on April 17 of committing a "grave crime" by using the army to try to quell unrest in the east of the country, and did not rule out sending in Russian troops.But, addressing Russians in his annual televised phone-in, Putin said he hoped he would not need to take such a step, and that diplomacy could succeed in resolving the standoff.
Reuters: Putin says he wants to avoid using force in Ukraine
In a marathon session dominated by questions on Ukraine, Putin tempered withering criticism of the Ukrainian leadership.
